Combining EMDR with another treatment: A proof-of-concept trial combining EMDR for trauma and CBT-T for ED
Description
Background
Given the high rates of trauma in individuals with eating disorders (EDs) and its association with compromised ED treatment outcomes, an integrated treatment for trauma and ED (“trauma-ED”) may improve outcomes. To date, no research has examined the effectiveness of combining EMDR for trauma and CBT-T for ED.
Objective
Two literature reviews were conducted to inform multiple single case experimental design (SCED) trial.
Method
The reviews synthesised 1) trauma-ED secondary research, 2) clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), 3) intervention research, and 4) lived experience (LE) research. The trial will combine two treatments into an integrated treatment protocol delivered by a single clinician in the community via Telehealth in the same episode of care.
Results
The scoping review of reviews (n=199) found that individuals experiencing trauma-ED demonstrated greater emotional, behavioural, and cognitive dysregulation and experienced more complex illness and treatment course. The systematic review of primary research (n=112) identified no trauma-ED clinical practice guidance; whilst trauma CPGs did not mention EDs, ED CPGs suggested trauma-informed care. Intervention research demonstrated the efficacy of hospital-based trauma-ED treatment; such evidence in the community was lacking. LE voices highlighted the clinical need for trauma-ED treatment. The trial will examine whether combining EMDR for trauma with CBT-T for ED will reduce both trauma and ED symptomatology.
Conclusions
Integrated trauma-ED evidence-base is limited to higher levels of ED care. Research in the community is urgently needed. Expert consensus and lived experience may need to be considered until trauma-ED treatment evidenced-base and clinical practice guidelines become available.
Given the high rates of trauma in individuals with eating disorders (EDs) and its association with compromised ED treatment outcomes, an integrated treatment for trauma and ED (“trauma-ED”) may improve outcomes. To date, no research has examined the effectiveness of combining EMDR for trauma and CBT-T for ED.
Objective
Two literature reviews were conducted to inform multiple single case experimental design (SCED) trial.
Method
The reviews synthesised 1) trauma-ED secondary research, 2) clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), 3) intervention research, and 4) lived experience (LE) research. The trial will combine two treatments into an integrated treatment protocol delivered by a single clinician in the community via Telehealth in the same episode of care.
Results
The scoping review of reviews (n=199) found that individuals experiencing trauma-ED demonstrated greater emotional, behavioural, and cognitive dysregulation and experienced more complex illness and treatment course. The systematic review of primary research (n=112) identified no trauma-ED clinical practice guidance; whilst trauma CPGs did not mention EDs, ED CPGs suggested trauma-informed care. Intervention research demonstrated the efficacy of hospital-based trauma-ED treatment; such evidence in the community was lacking. LE voices highlighted the clinical need for trauma-ED treatment. The trial will examine whether combining EMDR for trauma with CBT-T for ED will reduce both trauma and ED symptomatology.
Conclusions
Integrated trauma-ED evidence-base is limited to higher levels of ED care. Research in the community is urgently needed. Expert consensus and lived experience may need to be considered until trauma-ED treatment evidenced-base and clinical practice guidelines become available.
Format
Conference
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Moroshko, I. (2026, May). Combining EMDR with another treatment: A proof-of-concept trial combining EMDR for trauma and CBT-T for ED. Poster presentation at the annual EMDRAA Conference, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Collection
Citation
“Combining EMDR with another treatment: A proof-of-concept trial combining EMDR for trauma and CBT-T for ED,” Francine Shapiro Legacy Library, accessed June 11, 2026, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/30302.